The Joad Family's Journey and Hardship:
* "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie: A classic folk song about the inherent right to freedom and belonging, reflecting the Joads' longing for a better life and their displacement.
* "Dust Bowl Ballads" by Various Artists: A collection of songs written during the Dust Bowl era that capture the despair, resilience, and hardship faced by farmers during that time.
* "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan: This song about questioning injustice and seeking answers aligns with the Joad's search for a better life and the struggles they face along the way.
* "The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals: This traditional folk song about hardship and loss evokes the desperation of the Joads as they face displacement and the loss of their home and livelihood.
The Struggle for Dignity and Hope:
* "We Shall Overcome" by Pete Seeger: This anthem of the Civil Rights Movement resonates with the Joads' fight for dignity and their desire for a better future.
* "I'll Fly Away" by The Alabama Jubilee: This gospel song about hope and transcendence reflects the Joads' enduring spirit and their faith in a better tomorrow.
* "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen: A powerful song about finding hope amidst hardship and the search for meaning, reflecting the Joads' resilience and their faith in a brighter future.
Social Inequality and Exploitation:
* "The Internationale" by Various Artists: This anthem of the working class and socialist movement reflects the novel's themes of class struggle and the exploitation of labor.
* "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong: This upbeat song, while seemingly optimistic, can be interpreted as a sarcastic commentary on the unfairness and disparity present in society, reflecting the social inequalities faced by the Joads.
* "This Little Light of Mine" by Various Artists: This gospel song about hope and resistance can be interpreted as a call to action for fighting against social injustice and oppression, aligning with the Joads' struggle against the powerful and the system.
The Power of Community and Resilience:
* "The Parting Glass" by Various Artists: This traditional Irish folk song about farewell and remembrance reflects the Joads' bond with their community and the shared hardship they face.
* "The Weight" by The Band: This song about the burdens of life and the importance of community resonates with the Joads' shared experience of loss and their reliance on each other.
* "The Battle of Evermore" by Led Zeppelin: This song about the fight for survival and the endurance of hope reflects the Joads' unwavering determination to reach their destination and find a better life.
Ultimately, the best songs to relate to "The Grapes of Wrath" are those that resonate with your personal interpretation of the novel and the characters. Use the themes as a guide and explore different genres and styles to find songs that speak to you.